Other Family Visa Options
New Zealand Citizen Family Relationship Visa
Subclass 461
New Zealand Citizens who hold or are eligible for a subclass 444 Special Category visa can sponsor non-NZ Citizen family members to live with them in Australia. This includes a spouse, de facto partner, or child.
As part of the application process, applicants must be able to provide evidence demonstrating their relationship to the New Zealand Citizen, and that they meet health and character requirements.
The 461 visa is granted for 5 years at a time and can be renewed. The 461 does not transition to permanent residency.
A Partner visa may be possible if the New Zealand Citizen sponsor becomes an Australian Citizen; read more about the direct pathway to citizenship here.
Carer
Subclass 116 & 836
Australian Citizens and permanent residents can consider sponsoring a relative to act as a carer for themselves or a family member that lives with them.
The person requiring care must be assessed as having a long-term or permanent condition that requires ongoing support for their daily needs. It must also be demonstrated that the person has no reasonable access to this care in Australia, either from another relative or welfare, hospital or community nursing services.
Visa applicants must be able to prove their relationship to the sponsor, as well as meeting health and character requirements.
Applications for this visa are subject to quotas and queuing. Significant processing times apply.
Aged Dependent Relative
Subclass 114 & 838
Applicants for this visa must be single and over 67 years of age, and have been financially dependent on an Australian citizen or permanent resident relative for at least 3 years.
Eligible Australian relatives include:
- partner, child, parent, brother, sister, stepchild, step-parent, stepbrother or stepsister
- grandparent, grandchild, aunt, uncle, niece, nephew or step equivalent
When assessing financial dependency, evidence of payment the applicant’s basic needs like food, shelter, and clothing is required. Other forms of income and support will also be considered and weighed against the sponsor’s support.
Applications for this visa are subject to quotas and queuing. Significant processing times apply.
Remaining Relative Visa
Subclass 115 & 835
In situations where a sole family member is the only one who is not an Australian Citizen or Permanent Resident, this visa allows a family to be reunited permanently in Australia.
Applicants must:
- be sponsored by an eligible family member, such as a parent or sibling (or step equivalent)
- be able to demonstrate that they (and their spouse/partner) have no near relatives who are not Australian Citizens or Permanent Residents.
Dependent children under 18 years of age in who are in the applicants’ daily care can be included in the application and are not counted as other ‘near relatives’.
Applications for this visa are subject to quotas and queuing. Significant processing times apply.